In the Willamette National Park in Oregon is one of the world’s most magical places: the unimaginably turquoise and topaz-blue waters of Tamolitch Falls, also known as Blue Pool. The hike to the pool is one of the best hikes in the MacKenzie River Valley.


Oregon | USA


The day after I find out that OR 20 is touted as the most dangerous highway in Oregon, we are cruising along its tight hairpin bends. Our destination is the mythical Blue Pool! I can’t help but remember that time in Himachal Pradesh, how I had my heart in my mouth as drove towards Raksham; one wrong manoeuvre and we would plummet hundreds of feet to our immediate deaths. Here, the roads are safer. Humongous conifers reach out to touch the sky. The mountainside is alive with wildflowers. The asphalt resembles a ribbon; in the rearview mirror, I see vehicles– almost toy-like in comparison to the gigantic softwoods towering over them– sliding up and down the smooth black surface. Road-tripping in Oregon always takes my breath away.

HOW WAS THE TAMOLITCH BLUE POOL FORMED? About 1,600 years back, a volcano called Belknap Crater erupted and sent out a flow of lava. This lava covered a section of the McKenzie River that’s about three miles long. Because of this, the river couldn’t flow on the surface in that area and had to find a new path. It now travels underground through what’s known as a lava tube, starting at the Carmen Reservoir and moving northward. After some distance, the river water finds its way up to the surface again at the Blue Pool, where it comes out from the rocks.

Our destination is another two miles from the point where the GPS announces, “Your destination is on the left.” Parking is unavailable but thankfully someone is readying to leave. Five minutes later, we stepped into the woods. The sound of the Mackenzie is echoing, booming through the trees.

TIP: Parking at Blue Pool ($5 for the day) is very limited and it is not accessible by public transport. The best time to visit Blue Pool is early in the day on weekdays, especially if you want to have this serene spot to yourself. It gets very busy on weekends, particularly in the summer.

Blue Pool Hike, Oregon

The first half of the hike is easy. The trail is unpaved but fairly straight with little or no ascent. It meanders along the sweet blue waters of the Mackenzie. Soon we are at a viewpoint; the Mackenzie gushes down a series of rapids. Imagine watching this scene from a cliff:

The landscape is a symphony of coniferous green. Below you, a copper sulphate blue river breaks into a dance on the rocky riverbed. It foams and froths, the white dazzling against the clear, glassy blue, before calming into a pool of muddled blue, then hurrying down another series of rapids. Above you, the sky is azure and birds string music in the cool air.

WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO VISIT BLUE POOL: Blue Pool is open all day, every day. The sparkling turquoise and topaz-blue waters are particularly breathtaking on sunny days.

Then the landscape starts to get wilder till we are walking on gnarly roots and rocks. It reminds me of our walks in Silver Falls State Park where we saw more waterfalls than anywhere! I am not a pro-hiker and it gets more intimidating as we move deeper into the woods. Sometimes, the trails almost meld with the landscape. There are small puddles from the rain the previous night. You have to be extremely careful or else you might snag a foot under one of the thick braids of root matter and trip. We hike for another mile, chatting with bikers who are exploring this difficult terrain and finally we can hear squeals of joy.

We duck under tangled branches and find our way through the underbrush to see a pool of iridescent topaz blue, the aptly though not very imaginatively named, Blue Pool. The water is crystal clear which means that the pool appears shallower than it is, tempting you to swim on a hot, sunny day. Don’t fall the deception for the water is up to 30 ft deep in spots! At one end is a demure waterfall. A group of teenagers are perched on boulders along the edge. We stop to rest on the rocky cliff face. The trail continues to meander through the trees till it reaches the bottom of the cliff, at the edge of the pool where a man is easing himself into a wet suit. The water is icy and deep– the blue at the edge coalesces into a deeper sapphire towards the middle– and though it looks tempting, the Forest Department does not recommend a swim.

CAN I SWIM IN TAMOLITCH BLUE POOL? Yes, you can swim in Tamolitch Blue Pool but bear in mind that the waters are a frigid 37°F / 2°C. A wet suit can be handy! Though the pool looks shallow, it is pretty deep, so keep in mind your swimming abilities before you choose to swim here. There is no official trail from the clifftop to the pool; only a very steep social trail. Diving and cliff jumping are discouraged as there have been accidents and deaths here.

We idle along the rocky rim that overlooks the clear waters of the pool. Some of the cliffs here are over 50 ft high! Despite the waters of the Tamolitch Falls emptying into it and the fast-flowing Mackenzie exiting it, the waters of Blue Pool are surprisingly calm. On a still day, the surface would appear ripple-free like a sunlit sheet of blue glass. The area is beautiful. You would want to stay here longer but if you are travelling from Corvallis, we suggest you drive the stretch of OR 20 before dark and on the way, stop to admire two stunning waterfalls: Koosa and Sahalie Falls.

How to Reach TAMOLITCH Blue Pool?

From Portland, take I5 South, then turn left on OR-22 E, then turn left on OR-126 E to reach the Blue Pool parking lot. Be warned that the parking lot is small and only parallel parking is allowed.

From Corvallis, take OR-34 E, OR-22 E, then turn left on OR-126 E to reach Blue Pool.

Hike Route & Elevation

Like it? Pin it!

The Blue Pool is one of the most spectacular places I have visited in Oregon. Never have I seen water that clear, or that blue! If you are visiting Oregon, make sure to add this hike to your list.


Mohana & Aninda

Mohana and Aninda are travellers and advocates for car-free travel. Two-together is their travel blog where they document their travels to encourage and inspire readers to seek solace in new places, savour local cuisines, and relish both unique and everyday experiences. When they are not travelling, they are actively researching trip ideas and itineraries, obsessing over public transport timetables, reviewing travel budgets, and developing content for their blog. They are currently based in Edinburgh and exploring Scotland and beyond by public transport.

45 responses to “Tamolitch Falls (Blue Pool) Hike, Oregon”

  1. bye:myself Avatar
    bye:myself

    Besides the fact that it seems to be a really nice place – and your pictures are gorgeous, I love your style of writing – and the fact that you write captions for your pics! I really enjoy professionally composed and written articles, so thank you!

    1. Bangali Backpackers Avatar
      Bangali Backpackers

      Thank you so much!

  2. Deeptha Avatar
    Deeptha

    What beautiful captures, Mohana! The blue colour of the Mackenzie is stunning – almost hypnotising! It is the kind of place we would love to visit – tranquil and welcoming.

    1. Bangali Backpackers Avatar
      Bangali Backpackers

      Thank you, Deeptha! The Mackenzie River left me mesmerized. I’ve never seen a river that blue!

  3. Lisa Avatar
    Lisa

    Those waters are very blue! I’ve never heard of these pools before, but I really enjoyed looking at photos of them. It looks like you found a tranquil place here, surrounded by nature. I’ll remember Tamolitch for sure!

    1. Bangali Backpackers Avatar
      Bangali Backpackers

      It is tranquil out there. Oregon has an abundance of stunning lakes and waterfalls. There’s also Opal Creek Pool and Three Pools that I haven’t been to but would love to visit.

  4. Candy Avatar
    Candy

    I’ve never heard of this place and now I want to go. I had no idea the road there was so dangerous! Your photos are gorgeous and has really inspired me to make a trip here 🙂

    1. Bangali Backpackers Avatar
      Bangali Backpackers

      You must! It’s a moderate 3-mile hike and the sight of the pool at the end is rewarding.

  5. ambujsaxena05 Avatar
    ambujsaxena05

    What a colorful place and your description of the entire journey makes it even better. You rightly compared it with Himalayan states of India which bears resemblance to the nature’s bounty in Oregon as well! Overall, a blog that captures the beauty of the place very well!

    1. Bangali Backpackers Avatar
      Bangali Backpackers

      Thanks, Ambuj! The Himalayas are definitely more dramatic and unforgiving but parts of Oregon, esp. the woods and rivulets, remind me of mountains back home.

  6. Claire Sturzaker Avatar
    Claire Sturzaker

    Well it certainly is a blue pool! The colour of the Mackenzie river itself is beautiful, although as it rushes through the trees it doesn’t look too tempting to jump in! The pool though looks like it would be great for a swim, but it is definitely best to follow the professional’s advice and stay on dry land 🙂

    1. Bangali Backpackers Avatar
      Bangali Backpackers

      Thanks, Claire! The pool looks deceptively shallow and like a rather large swimming hole but in many spots, it is over 30 ft deep.

  7. Smita Chandra Avatar
    Smita Chandra

    wow, such beautiful pictures! A hike in these parts would be so much fun. Oregon has long been on my list of places to visit, you’ve definitely made me want to go sooner now!

    1. Bangali Backpackers Avatar
      Bangali Backpackers

      You must, Smita! Oregon in late spring and summer is gorgeous. Here in the Willamette Valley, farmers are harvesting hay and there are berries everywhere. The skies are clear and at night, you can see the stars and the Milky Way.

  8. Jem Avatar
    Jem

    What a stunning place to visit. I love the way that you describe the setting and how you took the reader on your hike with you. Beautiful photos to match the beautiful descriptions. I loooove hiking so this post was right up my alley, if only I had the means to get to Oregon!

  9. Jing Avatar
    Jing

    I’m not a pro hiker either but the photos of the falls, the Blue Pool and the Mackenzie River makes me want to think the difficult hike is going to be worth it!

    1. Bangali Backpackers Avatar
      Bangali Backpackers

      I definitely think that this trail is worth hiking! The view of the Blue Pool from the cliff is breathtaking.

  10. amy Avatar
    amy

    We drove through here years ago and have been planning a return trip ever since! Now that our kids are older we love hiking as a family, so would definitely add this to our list of stops. Oregon really has a great mix of natural elements. Absolutely beautiful!

    1. Bangali Backpackers Avatar
      Bangali Backpackers

      You must! It is really beautiful out there.

  11. lukeandmeagan Avatar
    lukeandmeagan

    Your photos are stunning, and a wonderful reminder of what I love so much about the Pacific Northwest. Thank you for transporting me back there with your lovely writing style!

    1. Bangali Backpackers Avatar
      Bangali Backpackers

      Thank you, Luke and Meagan! The PNW is picturesque. I’ve blessed to have been able to spend some time here.

  12. Carmen Edelson Avatar
    Carmen Edelson

    That’s nice it was calmer than you though! The Blue Pool is my kind of place. Such a beautiful part of the world!

    1. Bangali Backpackers Avatar
      Bangali Backpackers

      The water was so calm and blue is appeared otherworldly! Thanks for stopping by, Carmen!

  13. bordersandbucketlists Avatar
    bordersandbucketlists

    I. LOVE. WATERFALLS!!! And I have to say, this one looks absolutely stunning.

    1. Bangali Backpackers Avatar
      Bangali Backpackers

      Thanks <3

  14. Ami Bhat Avatar
    Ami Bhat

    It’s like an enchanted pond. So beautiful. Loved the pics. And ur useful tips on getting there.

    1. Bangali Backpackers Avatar
      Bangali Backpackers

      It does look like an enchanted pond with its topaz blue waters. Thanks for stopping by, Ami!

  15. Lena Avatar
    Lena

    Your photos are absolutely stunning! They really make me want to go back to the USA!

    1. Bangali Backpackers Avatar
      Bangali Backpackers

      I’d love to see more of the USA! It has so much geographic diversity.

  16. The Travel Bunny Avatar
    The Travel Bunny

    This looks like the type of hikes I end up doing with my boyfriend. I don’t know how, but whenever we decide to go hiking, we always end up at a waterfall or a cave. I think this is a hike we’d enjoy.

    1. Bangali Backpackers Avatar
      Bangali Backpackers

      I am sure you well. It is just so beautiful! 🙂

  17. Rhonda Albom Avatar
    Rhonda Albom

    There is so much natural beauty in Oregon. The rapids and deep blue water of the pool are mesmerizing. I rode the Oregon coast a couple of years ago and now would like to see the inland beauty as well.

    1. Mohana and Aninda Avatar
      Mohana and Aninda

      Thanks, Rhonda! The Columbia Gorge, Silver Falls State Park, Blue Pool, and Waldo Lake are some of my favourite spots in Oregon. We are planning to visit Crater Lake later this month. Also, the drive from Bend to the gorge via The Dalles is gorgeous this time of the year!

  18. candiceiiice Avatar
    candiceiiice

    So stunning! I really love waterfalls and the colour of this water enhances the beauty of the place. It looks relaxing. I’ve never heard of Tamolitch falls before but I will have to add it to my list when I travel the west coast. Thanks for sharing!

    1. Mohana and Aninda Avatar
      Mohana and Aninda

      It does! Seems like it’s an Oregon secret.

  19. Soumya Gayatri Avatar
    Soumya Gayatri

    The pictures are out of the world. And the blue pool is indeed very blue. Never heard of this place. So, thank you for sharing this.

    1. Mohana and Aninda Avatar
      Mohana and Aninda

      Blue Pool is spectacular, no doubt! I’ve also heard great things about Opal Creek and Three Pools but did not have the time to visit them.

  20. Ami Bhat Avatar
    Ami Bhat

    I love the varied flow of the river that you have captured. This seems like quite an exciting hike

  21. Kelly Avatar
    Kelly

    This place looks gorgeous! I need to go here!

  22. nancywill2017 Avatar
    nancywill2017

    I haven’t visited this one yet. Hoping to go back to Portland this summer/fall – this will be on the list. Thanks!

  23. ESTHER ZAGA Avatar
    ESTHER ZAGA

    this place looks amazing! and the color of the water it is something incredible!

  24. Briar Avatar
    Briar

    Beautiful blog! Take me there now 😍

  25. Katie Diederichs Avatar
    Katie Diederichs

    We went here a few years ago! It is such a cool place — but that water is FREEZING! We jumped in and our breath was immediately taken away! So fun though. We even saw scuba divers when we were there diving down to collect things people had lost while jumping and swimming in the water.

  26. hungryoungwoman Avatar
    hungryoungwoman

    I would love to go here someday! The pictures are so beautiful 🙂

  27. hollyrobertstravel Avatar
    hollyrobertstravel

    Wow this place looks so epic!! I’d love to visit someday!

Leave a Reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.